DeSalvo to open CMS session at HIMSS14

Karen DeSalvo, MD, who became the nation's national coordinator for health IT on Jan. 13, will deliver opening remarks prior to a HIMSS14 keynote address from CMS administrator Marilyn Tavenner.

DeSalvo most recently served as health commissioner for the City of New Orleans, where she advocated for expanded use of health IT by New Orleans’ primary care providers, and ensured that the city’s newest public hospital would utilize a fully integrated health IT network.

She was also previously president of the Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum (the state's lead for overseeing health information exchange and regional extension center grants), as well as a member of the steering committee for the Crescent City Beacon Community grant.

Known as an advocate for strengthening the U.S. public health infrastructure, DeSalvo has commented on the need for a broader focus on population health. Speaking at the American College of Physicians annual meeting in 2012, as reported by Medical Practice Insider, she described "winnable battles with chronic diseases and the causes thereof, like obesity and smoking."

Prior to serving as New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu's health policy advisor in 2011, DeSalvo was Tulane University School of Medicine's vice dean for community affairs and health policy.

DeSalvo will take the stage at 8:30 a.m. prior to Tavenner's address on Feb. 27 in Orlando, Fla. Click here for more information about HIMSS14 keynote sessions.